How to Do a Frequency Distribution in Excel 2007

By Stephanie Ellen

Creating a frequency distribution table, or a histogram table, is one of the first tasks you'll undertake in a college statistics class. Frequency tables give you an idea of how the data is spread through different categories and can help you build a histogram, or chart. Making a frequency table by hand can be a time consuming process. However, Excel 2007 has a built-in tool that can help you make a frequency table in seconds.

Things You'll Need

Excel worksheet with input values entered

Step 1

Click the "Data" tab and then click "Data Analysis."

Step 2

Click "Histogram" and then click "OK."

Step 3

Type "A1:A2" into the "Input Range" box, where A1 and A2 represent the actual range of cells on your worksheet where your input data is. For example, if your range of data is in A1 to A10, type "A1:A10"

Step 4

Type "B1:B2" into the "Bin Range" box where B1 and B2 represent the range of cells where your bin data is located. Bins represent the groups you want your data to fall into. For example, if you want your data to fall into bins of 1-10 and 11-20 and those values are located in cells C1 and C2, then type "C1:C2" into the Bin Range box.

Step 5

Click "New Workbook" under "Output Options," then click the "Chart Output" check box. Click "OK." Excel will create your frequency distribution table in a new workbook along with an embedded chart.

Tips & Warnings

If you don't see the "Data Analysis" area in Excel, you may need to install the Analysis ToolPak. to load the TookPak, click the "Microsoft Office" button, then click "Excel Options" and then click "Add ins." Click the "Analysis ToolPak" check box and then click "OK."